Mounting bracket for roof-top structures

ABSTRACT

A one-piece mounting bracket for securing a roof-top structure to the roof top of a building. In one embodiment, the one piece mounting bracket includes a first substantially L-shaped portion for engaging the roof top of a building, a second substantially L-shaped portion for engaging the roof top of a building, and a substantially flat base portion integrally connecting the first substantially L-shaped portion and the second substantially L-shaped portion such that the first substantially L-shaped portion and the second substantially L-shaped portion are aligned substantially in one direction.

Some references, which may include patents, patent applications and various publications, are cited and discussed in the description of this invention. The citation and/or discussion of such references is provided merely to clarify the description of the present invention and is not an admission that any such reference is “prior art” to the invention described herein. All references cited and discussed in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties and to the same extent as if each reference was individually incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a mounting bracket, and more particularly to a mounting bracket for securing a roof-top structure to the roof top of a building.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is a common practice to mount a satellite dish antenna to the roof top of a building to provide an unobstructed view of an appropriate satellite operable with the antenna for receiving signals including audio, video and other communication signals form the satellite. The antenna must have an extremely stable base to provide constant support so the antenna can be aligned to receive the signals from the satellite. In order to hold the antenna in place to provide the desired stability, the base is permanently attached to the roof top by means of an attachment assembly that structurally penetrates the building.

A variety of roof mounting structures of satellite dish antennae has been developed. For example, it is understood that U.S. Pat. No. 4,723,128 to Gasque, Jr. discloses a roof mount for securely attaching dish antennae to roofs of houses typically supported by a plurality of spaced rafters having a two-piece frame attached to a selected portion of a roof, with one piece on top of the roof supporting the dish and its adjusting mechanism and the other piece of the frame underlying the first frame beneath the roof. A plurality of fasteners penetrates the roof and both frames and draws the frames toward each other to clamp them about the selected portion of the roof and provide steady support for the antenna. It is also understood that U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,433 to Burns et al. describe an antenna roof mounting structure comprising a substantially solid planar foundation that may be secured to a roof substrate, a substantially closed geometric superstructure affixed to and vertically raised upon the foundation, and a mast for an antenna affixed to the superstructure.

However, designs and installations of such roof mounting structures are quite complex, which is due, in part, to the requirements that must be met in order to maintain both antenna stability and the structural integrity of the building. Such installations may result in water leaks due to drilling through the roofing material into rafters for mounting the roof mounting structures. Additionally, the location of a satellite antenna is generally restricted to those locations immediately adjacent to a main roof support, or joist, so as to enable engagement of the attachment assembly therewith.

Numerous methods and devices have been developed to overcome these problems by mounting a satellite antenna to a flat roof top without penetrating same. For example, it is understood that U.S. Pat. No. 4,922,264 to Fitzgerald discloses antenna mounting apparatus especially for use in connection with satellite dishes comprises a base assembly with an antenna extending upwardly therefrom, multiple ballast means extending radially from the base assembly, outer end plates disposed respectively adjacent the end of the ballast means remote from the base assembly, an aperture formed in each ballast means, and tie rods extending respectively through the apertures and interconnecting the base assembly and the associated outer end plate. It is also understood that U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,675 to Moldovan et al. discloses an apparatus for mounting an antenna on a flat roof without penetrating the waterproof membrane of the roof. The apparatus is comprised of a rigid base having a planar lower surface adapted to overlie the flat roof, ballast means carried by the base to stabilize the base, and antenna support means connected to and extending upwardly from the base.

In these non-penetrating flat roof mount designs, the ballasting members are directly exposed to the slow destructive forces of the elements and are, therefore, susceptible to erosion and wearing away due to wind, rain, snow, and ice over extended periods of time. This problem is further exacerbated by the fact that these designs typically use concrete or cinder blocks as ballasting members, the blocks being relatively brittle and sensitive to the erosive effects of the weather. As the blocks erode, they become less and less effective as ballasting members, eventually becoming completely ineffective. On the other hand, the installations of the non-penetrating roof mount structures require the expenditure of a significant amount of time, effort, and cost.

An additional disadvantage for all current roof mount designs, non-penetrating or not, is that they cannot be easily and securely engaged with the roof top without increasing the likelihood of water leaking.

Therefore, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the art to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a mounting bracket for securing a roof-top structure to the roof top of a building. In one embodiment, the mounting bracket includes a base portion having a first end and an opposite, second end defining a base body having a base width, W₀, therebetween, a first leg portion extending from the first end of the base portion, a second leg portion extending from the second end of the base portion, a first foot portion having a width, W₁, and extending from the first leg portion to form a first substantially L-shaped portion with the first leg portion, and a second foot portion having a width, W₂, and extending from the second leg portion to form a second substantially L-shaped portion with the second leg portion, where the first foot portion and the second foot portion are substantially parallel to each other, the first substantially L-shaped portion and the second substantially L-shaped portion are aligned substantially in one direction, and the base portion is elevated by the first leg portion and the second leg portion with respect to the first foot portion and the second foot portion.

In one embodiment, each of the base portion, the first leg portion, the second leg portion, the first foot portion and the second foot portion is substantially flat. Furthermore, each of the base portion, the first foot portion and the second foot portion is substantially rectangular. The width W₁ of the first foot portion and the width W₂ of the second foot portion are different or substantially same. The width W₀ of the base portion is narrower than each of the width W₁ of the first foot portion and the width W₂ of the second foot portion. In one embodiment, the first leg portion has a width WL₁ that is gradually changed from the width W₀ of the base portion to the width W₁ of the first foot portion. The second leg portion has a width WL₂ that is gradually changed from the width W₀ of the base portion to the width W₂ of the second foot portion.

In one embodiment, the first leg portion has a height, H₁, defined between the base portion and the first foot portion, and the second leg portion has a height, H₂, defined between the base portion and the second foot portion such that H₂≧H₁. In one embodiment, the base portion has an angle, α, relative to the first foot portion and the second foot portion, wherein 0<α<π/2. In another embodiment, the base portion is substantially parallel to the first foot portion and the second foot portion.

The mounting bracket may further comprise means for securing the mounting bracket to the roof top of a building and a roof-top structure to the mounting bracket, respectively. In one embodiment, the securing means includes a plurality of screws. In one embodiment, the base portion has a plurality of spaced holes formed in the base body, each of the spaced holes capable of receiving a corresponding screw to secure the roof-top structure to the mounting bracket. Each of the first foot portion and second foot portion has a plurality of spaced holes formed therein, each of the spaced holes capable of receiving a corresponding screw to secure the mounting bracket to the roof-top of a building.

The mounting bracket is formed of a one piece rigid material. In one embodiment, the one piece rigid material comprises metal, fiber glass or plastic.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a one piece mounting bracket for securing a roof-top structure to the roof top of a building. The one piece mounting bracket in one embodiment comprises a first substantially L-shaped portion for engaging the roof top of a building, a second substantially L-shaped portion for engaging the roof top of a building, and a substantially flat base portion integrally connecting the first substantially L-shaped portion and the second substantially L-shaped portion such that the first substantially L-shaped portion and the second substantially L-shaped portion are aligned substantially in one direction. The substantially flat base portion is adapted for receiving a roof-top structure thereon.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for securing a roof-top structure to the roof top of a building. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of providing a mounting bracket comprising a base portion having a first end and an opposite, second end and a plurality of spaced holes formed therein, a first leg portion extending from the first end of the base portion, a second leg portion extending from the second end of the base portion, a first foot portion having a plurality of spaced holes formed therein and extending from the first leg portion to form a first substantially L-shaped portion with the first leg portion, and a second foot portion having a plurality of spaced holes formed therein and extending from the second leg portion to form a second substantially L-shaped portion with the second leg portion. The first foot portion and the second foot portion are substantially parallel to each other, the first substantially L-shaped portion and the second substantially L-shaped portion are aligned substantially in one direction, and the base portion is elevated by the first leg portion and the second leg portion with respect to the first foot portion and the second foot portion.

Furthermore, the method includes the steps of positioning the mounting bracket onto a location of the roof top of the building, securing the mounting bracket to the location of the roof top by screwing a set of screws through the pluralities of spaced holes of the first and second foot portions into the roof structural material of the building therein, respectively, and securing the roof-top structure to the mounting bracket by screwing a set of screws through the plurality of spaced holes of the base portion.

These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although variations and modifications therein may be affected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the written description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like elements of an embodiment, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a mounting bracket for roof-top structures according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the mounting bracket shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the mounting bracket shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the mounting bracket shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows an exploding view of an assembly of the mounting bracket of FIG. 1 and a satellite dish antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an assembly of the mounting bracket of FIG. 1 and a satellite dish antenna, mounted onto the roof top of a building according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is more particularly described in the following examples that are intended as illustrative only since numerous modifications and variations therein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various embodiments of the invention are now described in detail. Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like components throughout the views. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a”, “an”, and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The description will be made as to the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of FIGS. 1-6. In accordance with the purposes of this invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, this invention, in one aspect, relates to a mounting bracket for securing a roof-top structure such as a satellite dish or antenna to the roof top of a building. The roof-top structure can be a satellite dish, an antenna, a solar panel, a sign, or the like.

Referring in general to FIGS. 1-6, a mounting bracket 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a base portion 110 having a first end 112 and an opposite, second end 114 defining a base body 116 having a base width, W₀, therebetween. The mounting bracket 100 further includes a first leg portion 120 extending from the first end 112 of the base portion 110, and a second leg portion 130 extending from the second end 114 of the base portion 110. The mounting bracket 100 also includes a first foot portion 140 extending from the first leg portion 120 to form a first substantially L-shaped portion, viewed cross-sectionally from the side as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, with the first leg portion 120, and a second foot portion 150 extending from the second leg portion 130 to form a second substantially L-shaped portion, viewed cross-sectionally from the side as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, with the second leg portion 130. The first foot portion 140 and the second foot portion 150 are formed substantially in the same plane or in two spaced parallel planes. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base portion 110 is elevated by the first leg portion 120 and the second leg portion 130 with respect to the first foot portion 140 and the second foot portion 150, and the first substantially L-shaped portion and the second substantially L-shaped portion are aligned substantially in the same direction. As can be seen in FIG. 6, such an alignment of the first substantially L-shaped portion and the second substantially L-shaped portion allows the first foot portion 140 and the second foot portion 150 of the mounting bracket 100 to be positioned, respectively, between shingles of the roof top of a building and secured therein to reduce the likelihood of water leaking, thereby avoiding damages to the roof top of the building therein.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, each of the base portion 110, the first leg portion 120, the second leg portion 130, the first foot portion 140 and the second foot portion 150 is substantially flat. Furthermore, the base portion 110, the first foot portion 140 and the second foot portion 150 are substantially formed in a rectangular. The first foot portion 140 has a width W₁ and a length L₁. The second foot portion 150 has a width W₂ and a length L₂. In the exemplary embodiment, the width W₁ of the first foot portion 140 and the width W₂ of the second foot portion 150 are substantially same. The width W₁ of the first foot portion 140 and the width W₂ of the second foot portion 150 may be different. The width W₀ of the base portion 110 is narrower than each of the width W₁ of the first foot portion 140 and the width W₂ of the second foot portion 150. Additionally, the first leg portion 120 has a width WL₁ that is gradually changed from the width W0 of the base portion 110 to the width W₁ of the first foot portion 140. The second leg portion 130 has a width WL₂ that is gradually changed from the width W₀ of the base portion 110 to the width W₂ of the second foot portion 140. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the length L₁ of the first foot portion 140 is shorter than the length L₂ of the second foot portion 150. In other embodiments, the length L₁ of the first foot portion 140 may be longer than or substantially same as the length L₂ of the second foot portion 150. Additionally, the first leg portion 120 and the second leg portion 130 define a distance L₀ therebetween. The distance L₀ is greater than, or substantially equal to, the length L₂ of the second foot portion 150.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first leg portion 120 has a height, H₁, defined between the base portion 110 and the first foot portion 140, and the second leg portion 120 has a height, H₂, defined between the base portion 110 and the second foot portion 150. The height H₁ of the first leg portion 120 is shorter than or equal to the height H₂ of the second leg portion 130. In this embodiment, the base portion 110 has an angle, α, relative to the first foot portion 140 and the second foot portion 150, where 0<α<π/2, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In another embodiment (not shown), the base portion 110 may be substantially parallel to the first foot portion 140 and the second foot portion 150.

As shown in FIG. 5, the mounting bracket 100 may further comprise means for securing the mounting bracket 100 to the roof top of a building and a roof-top structure 10 to the mounting bracket 100, respectively. The securing means includes a plurality of screws 15 and 17. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the base portion 110 has a plurality of spaced holes 118 formed in the base body 116, and each of the spaced holes 118 is adapted for receiving a corresponding screw 15 to secure the roof-top structure to the mounting bracket. The first foot portion 140 has a plurality of spaced holes 148 formed therein and the second foot portion 150 has a plurality of spaced holes 158 formed therein, and each of the spaced holes 148 and 158 is adapted for receiving a corresponding screw 17 to secure the mounting bracket 100 to the roof-top of a building.

The mounting bracket 100 is formed of a one piece rigid material capable of providing the support for a roof-top structure and the stability of the roof-top structure thereof. The one piece rigid material includes metal, fiber glass, plastic or the like. This one piece structure is a unique feature of the present invention and allows the mounting bracket 100 to be easily made and have stronger strength to support a roof-top structure.

One aspect of the present invention also provides a one piece mounting bracket for securing a roof-top structure to the roof top of a building. The one piece mounting bracket in one embodiment includes a first substantially L-shaped portion, a second substantially L-shaped portion, and a substantially flat base portion integrally connecting the first substantially L-shaped portion and the second substantially L-shaped portion such that the first substantially L-shaped portion and the second substantially L-shaped portion are aligned substantially in one direction. The first substantially L-shaped portion and the second substantially L-shaped portion are adapted for mounting the one piece mounting bracket onto the roof top of a building, and the substantially flat base portion is adapted for supporting for a roof-top structure.

The invented mounting bracket can easily be installed on the roof top of a building for securing a roof-top structure mounted thereon. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the exemplary roof-top structure is a satellite dish 10 having a base plate 12. The installation process includes the following steps: at first, a mounting bracket 100 is provided. The mounting bracket 100 is then positioned onto a location 24 of the roof top 20 of a building to which the mounting bracket 100 is to be secured. Usually, the location 24 of the roof top 20 of the building includes at least one stud under the roof capable of providing the support for the mounting bracket 100 and the roof-top structure 10 mounted thereon. By screwing a set of screws 17 through the pluralities of spaced holes 148 and 158 of the first and second foot portions 140 and 150 into the roof structural material of the building therein, respectively, the mounting bracket 100 is secured to the location 24 of the roof top 20. The satellite dish 10 is then secured to the mounting bracket 100 by positioning the base plate 12 of the satellite dish 10 onto the base portion 110 of the mounting bracket 110 and screwing a set of screws 15 through the plurality of spaced holes 118 of the base portion 110 and the base plate 12. For residential or other buildings having shingles on the roof-top, the first and second foot portions 140 and 150 are received underneath neighboring shingles 21 and 23, respectively. Shingles 21 and 23 can be temporarily removed or pulled up during the installation. After the installation of the mounting bracket 100, shingles 21 and 23 can be installed on or put back to the cover first foot portion 140 and the second foot portion 150 of the mounting bracket 100, respectively, to prevent water from leaking therein.

In other embodiments, a roof-top structure 10 may be mounted to the mounting bracket 100 prior to the step of securing the mounting bracket 100 to the roof top 20 of a building.

Additionally, the invented mounting bracket can easily be installed on a pre-finished roof top of a building by positioning the first foot portion and the second foot portion of the mounting bracket between shingles installed on the roof top of the building and securing the mounting bracket therein.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented only for the purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and their practical application so as to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention and various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its spirit and scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and the exemplary embodiments described therein. 

1. A mounting bracket for securing a roof-top structure to the roof top of a building, comprising: a. a base portion having a first end and an opposite, second end defining a base body having a base width, W₀, therebetween; b. a first leg portion extending from the first end of the base portion; c. a second leg portion extending from the second end of the base portion; d. a first foot portion having a width, W₁, and extending from the first leg portion to form a first substantially L-shaped portion with the first leg portion; and e. a second foot portion having a width, W₂, and extending from the second leg portion to form a second substantially L-shaped portion with the second leg portion, wherein the first foot portion and the second foot portion are substantially parallel to each other, the first substantially L-shaped portion and the second substantially L-shaped portion are aligned substantially in one direction, and the base portion is elevated by the first leg portion and the second leg portion with respect to the first foot portion and the second foot portion.
 2. The mounting bracket of claim 1, wherein the first leg portion has a height, H₁, defined between the base portion and the first foot portion, and the second leg portion has a height, H₂, defined between the base portion and the second foot portion such that H₂≧H₁.
 3. The mounting bracket of claim 2, wherein the base portion has an angle, α, relative to the first foot portion and the second foot portion, and wherein 0<α<π/2.
 4. The mounting bracket of claim 2, wherein the base portion is substantially parallel to the first foot portion and the second foot portion.
 5. The mounting bracket of claim 1, wherein the width W₀ of the base portion is narrower than each of the width W₁ of the first foot portion and the width W₂ of the second foot portion.
 6. The mounting bracket of claim 5, wherein the width W₁ of the first foot portion and the width W₂ of the second foot portion are different or substantially same.
 7. The mounting bracket of claim 5, wherein the first leg portion has a width WL₁ that is gradually changed from the width W₀ of the base portion to the width W₁ of the first foot portion.
 8. The mounting bracket of claim 5, wherein the second leg portion has a width WL₂ that is gradually changed from the width W₀ of the base portion to the width W₂ of the second foot portion.
 9. The mounting bracket of claim 1, wherein each of the base portion, the first leg portion, the second leg portion, the first foot portion and the second foot portion is substantially flat.
 10. The mounting bracket of claim 9, wherein each of the base portion, the first foot portion and the second foot portion is substantially rectangular.
 11. The mounting bracket of claim 1, further comprising means for securing the mounting bracket to the roof top of a building and a roof-top structure to the mounting bracket, respectively.
 12. The mounting bracket of claim 11, wherein the securing means comprises a plurality of screws.
 13. The mounting bracket of claim 12, wherein the base portion has a plurality of spaced holes formed in the base body, each of the spaced holes capable of receiving a corresponding screw to secure the roof-top structure to the mounting bracket.
 14. The mounting bracket of claim 12, wherein each of the first foot portion and second foot portion has a plurality of spaced holes formed therein, each of the spaced holes capable of receiving a corresponding screw to secure the mounting bracket to the roof-top of a building.
 15. The mounting bracket of claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket is formed of a one piece rigid material.
 16. The mounting bracket of claim 15, wherein the one piece rigid material comprises metal, fiber glass or plastic.
 17. A one piece mounting bracket for securing a roof-top structure to the roof top of a building, comprising: a. a first substantially L-shaped portion for engaging the roof top of a building; b. a second substantially L-shaped portion for engaging the roof top of a building; and c. a substantially flat base portion integrally connecting the first substantially L-shaped portion and the second substantially L-shaped portion such that the first substantially L-shaped portion and the second substantially L-shaped portion are aligned substantially in one direction.
 18. A method for securing a roof-top structure to the roof top of a building, comprising the steps of: a. providing a mounting bracket comprising: (i). a base portion having a first end and an opposite, second end and a plurality of spaced holes formed therein; (ii). a first leg portion extending from the first end of the base portion; (iii). a second leg portion extending from the second end of the base portion; (iv). a first foot portion having a plurality of spaced holes formed therein and extending from the first leg portion to form a first substantially L-shaped portion with the first leg portion; and (v). a second foot portion having a plurality of spaced holes formed therein and extending from the second leg portion to form a second substantially L-shaped portion with the second leg portion, wherein the first foot portion and the second foot portion are substantially parallel to each other, the first substantially L-shaped portion and the second substantially L-shaped portion are aligned substantially in one direction, and the base portion is elevated by the first leg portion and the second leg portion with respect to the first foot portion and the second foot portion; b. positioning the mounting bracket onto a location of the roof top of the building; c. securing the mounting bracket to the location of the roof top by screwing a set of screws through the pluralities of spaced holes of the first and second foot portions into the roof structural material of the building therein, respectively; and d. securing the roof-top structure to the mounting bracket by screwing a set of screws through the plurality of spaced holes of the base portion.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the mounting bracket is formed of a one piece rigid material.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the one piece rigid material comprises metal or plastic. 